I will quickly show how the DIY formicarium is made for the tiny ant colonies I keep.
All materials are bought online or in store at Amazon (online), Michaels Craft Store and the Container Store.
This is a very basic explanation of everything, mostly in the form of pictures.
Please understand that I am a basic ant hobbyist who have watched many DIY videos from YouTube and is still learning.
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Here are some links to the supplies that were used.
Some items may need to be purchased in store.
The Hydrocal Plaster-
https://www.amazon.c...product_details
Mix 2 parts of plaster to 1 part (or more) of H20 (You can adjust the thickness by putting less or more water)
Use a plastic fork (prefer this than a spoon) to stir well.
Wear a good face mask (too much air born plaster dust can be breathed into your lungs!)
Use a silicone measuring 2-cup size (flexible) for mixing plaster mix-
Amazon.com: OXO Good Grips 2-Cup Squeeze & Pour Silicone Measuring Cup with Stay-Cool Pattern: Home & Kitchen
The acrylic container formicarium/outworld that I used was the 4.375" W x 1.4375" H (many sizes out there, it depends on what size you want to make) -
https://www.amazon.c...product_details <--- Try using a taller outworld like the 6" W x 2.5" H.
The Acrylic lids for the nest (depending what size you are planning to make)-
https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Small Magnets to hold acrylic lid (keep in mind that the magnets do rust when in contact with water/moisture. I am still looking for a rust-free magnet)-
Amazon.com: DIYMAG 200PCS Refrigerator Magnets Premium Brushed Nickel Fridge, Office Magnets, Silver, 6X3 mm : Industrial & Scientific
White Sand (Surely there are cheaper options out there but make sure they are Ant/Insect safe)-
https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PTFE Tubing (1mm x 2mm)-
PTFE Tubing
Blunted needles with syringe for adding water in PTFE tubes:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G8XNFKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Steel hole puncher-
Amazon.com: Hole Puncher, Long Handle Manual Plug Rubber Stopper Perforator Experimental Drilling Tool for Laboratory Experiment : Tools & Home Improvement
Stainless Steel Woven Wire 120 Mesh-
Amazon.com: TIMESETL 304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire 120 Mesh - 12"X40" Filter Screen Sheet Filtration Cloth : Industrial & Scientific
Wood burning tool (Never leave unattended) –
https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Versa-Temp-Temperature-Woodburning/dp/B005P1TRAS?ref_=ast_sto_dp
The Resin Silicone Mold (many versions out there) - I used a small version (2 inches or 6 cm wide) at the store called Michaels Craft for $19.99 (not cheap!)
Here is another version but are slightly larger, therefore you will need larger acrylic lids for the nest and maybe a larger outworld container:
Amazon.com: SILIVO Round Cake Pans - Set of 4 Silicone Molds for Baking, Nonstick & Quick Release Baking Pans for Layer Cakes, Cheese Cakes, Rainbow Cakes and Chocolate Cakes - 3+5+7+9 inch: Home & Kitchen
Edited by Ants101, February 19 2023 - 12:04 PM.